When Does Shortness of Breath Necessitate Emergency Care?

It can be frightening if you feel like you can’t breathe; so when should you seek emergency care? The short answer is: if you’re concerned, we’re concerned. If the shortness of breath comes on suddenly or affects your ability to function, seek immediate emergency care at a Denver ER near you. Similarly, if you have asthma and a sudden attack is not responding to your rescue inhaler, head to the closest Denver ER immediately.

If you are unsure if your troubled breathing necessitates a visit to the ER, use the guidelines below.

Seek emergency care if your shortness of breath is accompanied by the following symptoms

Chest pain, fainting or nausea (could indicate a blood clot)

Abnormal and different discomfort

If your shortness of breath does not respond to rest

Those with certain medical histories may require more immediate care

If you are experiencing difficulty breathing and have the following medical conditions, it may be necessary to seek emergency care:

History of collapsed lungs

Chronic asthma

Bronchitis

Pneumonia

Tuberculosis

Exceptional Denver ER care, close to home

An accredited Level IV trauma center, Rose Medical Center is one of the top Denver ERs for the treatment of troubled breathing. Rose Medical Center also holds special accreditation for the treatment of abdominal pain, chest pain, suspected stroke and orthopedic injuries. Our world-class physicians and staff consistently work to ensure you receive the best, most comfortable care.

Rose Medical Center’s spectrum of care spans all ages and conditions, from infants to the elderly. We staff a full-time group of dedicated OB hospitalists, who are experts in the treatment of pregnancy-related issues. Because timing is important, Rose Medical Center’s ER consistently works to beat the average national wait time in an attempt to provide quality care as quickly and effectively as possible.